VOICED: Paleontologists take the long view on climate change

The video explores Earth's history, highlighting the brief existence of humans compared to the planet's timeline. It discusses past climate changes, such as those that may have led to the dinosaurs' extinction, and contrasts them with today's climate crises, which are exacerbated by human activity. The video examines the average lifespan of species and the unique survival and growth of humans, which have significantly impacted the environment. It raises concerns about future extinction risks as climate change accelerates, suggesting that the list of extinct species may grow rapidly.

How does the current climate crisis differ from past ones?

• It is influenced by human activities and population growth.

• It is caused by natural events only.

• It is less severe than past crises.

• It has no impact on human civilization.

What is the average lifespan of a species according to the transcript?

• Four million years

• Ten million years

• Sixty-five million years

• One million years

What role do humans play in the current climate changes?

• Humans are accelerating climate changes through their activities.

• Humans are reducing the effects of climate change.

• Humans are reversing climate changes.

• Humans have no impact on climate changes.

What was the population of Europe and the Americas in the past?

• A few hundred

• A few thousand

• A few hundred thousand

• A few million

What do the keepers at the Museum of Natural History expect regarding extinct species?

• The list of extinct species will be eliminated.

• The list of extinct species will grow at an alarming rate.

• The list of extinct species will remain the same.

• The list of extinct species will decrease.